Wakefield Trinity host Prince William and Princess Kate as Sir Kevin Sinfield’s MND challenge receives royal boost

The Prince and Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance in West Yorkshire to support rugby league icon Sir Kevin Sinfield during the third day of his ultimate Motor Neurone Disease (MND) fundraising challenge.

Prince William and Catherine caught up with Sinfield in Wakefield as the former Leeds Rhinos skipper carries out his final ultra marathon campaign. 

Running seven ultra marathons in seven days from Hull to Manchester in memory of his late friend and teammate Rob Burrow, Sinfield was met with royal praise at his stop at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.

“What you’re doing is so inspiring – the unity that you’re building,” Catherine told Sir Kevin, while Prince William urged him to “make sure you hold yourself together for another few days” as the former international admitted he had been “dreaming of an ice bath all day.”

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The visit to West Yorkshire held extra family significance for the Sinfield household, with Sir Kevin’s son, young playmaker Jack Sinfield, playing a starring role in Daryl Powell’s Wakefield squad throughout their historic charge to Old Trafford.

While his son continues his preparations with Daryl Powell’s squad for Saturday’s decider, Sir Kevin drew parallels between the unity of his 7 in 7 team and the spirit of the wider rugby league family.

“It’s going to take all of us to try and find a cure, but in the short-term, we have to look after families better,” Sinfield told the crowd. 

“I can only thank you for all coming and supporting. We feel pretty privileged because I’m part of an outstanding team here. And we’ve got a very good team in front of us that have got a pretty special week. On behalf of all of us and the MND community, boys, we hope you go and do the job on Saturday.”

Having raised over £11 million since starting his challenge in 2020, Sinfield’s grueling journey will culminate at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, where he will carry the match ball onto the pitch before watching Jack and Wakefield chase a maiden Super League title.